By Meghan Streit
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

During the hot and sticky dog days of summer, the last thing you want to do is heat up your house by turning on the oven to prepare a meal. Fortunately, summer offers a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables that make perfect light, healthy meals.

Barbara Kamp is a nutritionist and dietitian, and works as the program coordinator at the National Resource Center on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Aging at the Florida International University in Miami. She says there are plenty of delicious alternatives to slaving over a hot stove.

“For women who have cooked for their families all their lives, cooking for one can be a challenge,” she says. “You don’t always have to cook, which is my big message.”

Kamp says to opt for steaming instead of frying foods. Steaming is not only healthier, but it’s also quick and easy. She also says there are plenty of nutritious choices that require no cooking whatsoever.

“Of course, since it is summer, I would definitely suggest going fresh,” she says. “Focus on the things that are in season, like plums, peaches, nectarines.”

Both fruits and vegetables are less expensive and more plentiful during the summer months. Visiting a local farmers market is a great way to get the freshest produce for summer meals.

Kamp also suggests keeping no-cook snacks like yogurt and hard boiled eggs on hand to make sure you’re getting enough calcium and protein—especially for older women.

Leave the cooking to someone else
Living at an Erickson community makes eating healthy easier. Although Monarch Landing and Sedgebrook apartment homes come with a full kitchen, many people opt out of cooking by dining with friends at one of the on-site restaurants. One meal a day is included in the cost of the monthly service package.

“I’m excited because I don’t have to cook a lot,” says Ruth Curran, a Monarch Landing community member.